White Birch
Betula papyrifera
Betula papyrifera (paper birch, also known as (American) white birch and canoe birch) is a short-lived species of birch native to northern North America. Paper birch is named after the tree's thin white bark, which often peels in paper-like layers from the trunk. Paper birch is often one of the first species to colonize a burned area within the northern latitudes, and is an important species for moose browsing.
Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Betula papyrifera |
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Height | 50-70 ft |
| Bloom time | Apr-May |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Moisture | Mesic |
| Soil | Acidic loam |
| Wildlife value | Paper bark; host to over 300 caterpillar species; catkins and seed for redpolls |
Mentioned In
- Ecoregions Growing Conditions
- Woodland Forest Plants
- Plant Identification Skills
- Ecological Restoration
- Cultural Indigenous Uses
Image Credits
- InAweofGod'sCreation (CC BY 2.0)
- Walter Siegmund (talk) (CC BY-SA 3.0)